Aerosol separator; and method

Abstract

An arrangement for separating a hydrophobic liquid phase from a gaseous stream includes a coalescer filter, a housing, a gas flow direction arrangement, and a liquid collection arrangement. The coalescer filter includes a non-woven media of fibers. The housing includes an interior having a gas flow inlet and a gas flow outlet. The liquid collection arrangement is positioned within the housing construction and is oriented for receiving liquid collected from the coalescer filter and drained therefrom.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . A filter arrangement for use in separating a hydrophobic liquid aerosol phase, from a gas stream, during filtration of engine crankcase gases; the arrangement comprising: a first stage coalescer filter defining a flow passageway and including a nonwoven fibrous bundle extending across the flow passageway; and a second stage filter comprising media positioned downstream from the nonwoven media of fibers of the first stage coalescer; the arrangement characterized in that: 
 (a) the second stage filter comprises a tubular construction of media defining an open tubular interior;    (b) the first stage coalescer filter is oriented in extension across a portion of the open tubular interior; and    (c) the tubular construction of media of the second stage filter and the first stage coalescer filter are secured together with in the filter arrangement.    
   
   
       17 . A filter arrangement according to  claim 16  wherein: 
 (a) a second stage filter has a first end secured to a first end cap.    
   
   
       18 . A filter arrangement according to  claim 16  wherein: 
 (a) the first end cap includes a central aperture therein.    
   
   
       19 . A filter arrangement according to  claim 18  wherein: 
 (a) a portion of the first end cap surrounds the first stage filter.    
   
   
       20 . A filter arrangement according to  claim 18  wherein: 
 (a) the first end cap includes a circular sealing portion thereon.    
   
   
       21 . A filter arrangement according to  claim 20  wherein: 
 (a) a circular sealing portion is positioned around an outside of the first end cap.    
   
   
       22 . A filter arrangement according to  claim 20  wherein: 
 (a) the circular sealing portion is positioned around the inner aperture of the first end cap.    
   
   
       23 . A filter arrangement according to  claim 18  including: 
 (a) a second end cap having an open central aperture positioned on a second end of the second stage filter.    
   
   
       24 . A filter arrangement according to  claim 23  wherein: 
 (a) a second end cap includes an axial seal thereon.